To do or not to do?

Writing a 'to do' list... Who has time for that?!

Up until a couple of weeks ago I thought writing a 'to do' list every day would do nothing but add an extra thing to my list of chores! But after reading a few inspiring organisation blogs, it appeared that many of them relied heavily upon the use of 'to do' lists, so I thought I'd give it a go and see if all these organisation experts were right- could writing lists really be the key to simplifying my life?

Since the new year, I have been systematically de-cluttering my house,  however it occurred to me that the biggest area that needed de-cluttering was my head! My head space has become so cluttered and strained from trying to keep check of things that need to be done and quite frankly, a whole lot of junk! 

It's amazing how stressed out you can feel when you are constantly trying to remember all the little things you need to do each day. It wasn't until I started writing down and prioritising the things I need to do each day that I really realised how much mental space was being used just trying to remember everything! What a waste! Why spend all that time worrying and energy remembering when you can spend 2 minutes writing it all down?!

So here is my cute little 'to do' pad from +kikki.K:

I also created a chart with a list of house chores that need to be done on a daily/ weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly and annual basis. (I'll post up a free printable in the next couple of days!) Click here to download and create your own cleaning checklist: Cleaning Checklist Printable

Each night I spend a few minutes writing out all my 'to do's' using my house chore list as a reference.  I make sure to include everything on the list. 

The benefits I have noticed since I started writing my daily lists are:

* Improved time management

* Decreased stress levels 

* Increased satisfaction from seeing all the things I have completed and achieved throughout the day

* More organised and efficient as I am focused and my day has order

* I normally overwhelm myself trying to do everything everyday, however now I map out my week and spread things over each day creating a lot more space in my day to just be!

So it is definitely something I am finding worthwhile in order to simplify my life. As they say, 

If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail!

It is becoming obvious to me that this is indeed quite true. 

So, start your day focused with an uncluttered mind. Write a list and prioritise what is important. And watch.... you may find the inner child will be released as you race to tick off all the items on your list. 

Do you write a 'to do' list? How do you manage your day? Have you got any other tips to help manage  your daily tasks?

Have a great day,

Tara